A three-run first inning was all St. Charles softball needed to reach state semifinals

St. Charles is returning to the Division III select softball state semifinals after a fast start against Pope John Paul II on Saturday.

The Comets scored three runs in the first inning, and that proved to be all the runs they would need in what ended up a 4-1 quarterfinals victory over the Jaguars.

“I think we did a really good job in the first of being on time and driving a few base hits through the gaps,” Comets coach Zach Weber said. “We made a bunch of winning plays, and that’s what we talked about for the last week.”

Comets sophomore shortstop Adrienne Arnett went 3 for 3 and set the tone in the first inning with an RBI double to score the first run.

“I had two strikes on me and was just looking to put the ball in play,” Arnett said. “It ended up being a pitch I liked, and I knew where to put it. It was just exciting having everyone behind me working to be the best they can. I knew if I got it done, they would too.”

Comets sophomore pitcher Kamryn Cancienne threw a complete game.

“Kamryn (Cancienne) did a phenomenal job for seven innings,” Weber said. “She’s been our heart and soul in the circle and has taken us against a bunch of great teams. I think she’s throwing with the confidence that her team behind her is playing well.”

The Comets made life tough on the Jaguars by making several big plays in the field throughout the day, including a diving catch by right fielder Baileigh Tregre.

“We made a ton of great plays,” Weber said. “Laying out for a ball, making that competitive play, and I think our girls did that today. Baileigh Tregre does a phenomenal job for us. She makes winning plays.”

While the No. 10-seeded Jaguars didn’t have quite enough against the No. 2-seeded Comets, their program appears headed in the right direction.

“I am so proud of this group,” Jaguars coach Jeff Benedic said. “I told the team to walk out of here with their heads held high. St. Charles came in here with a great game plan, but there’s no other group that I’d rather go to battle with.”

The Comets missed out on a trip to Sulphur last season, but they are returning to the semis in Weber’s first season as head coach.

“It’s my first year here, but it’s not about me,” Weber said. “These girls have put in so much work. They come in early and work their tail off. They played all season with a chip on their shoulder to get back to Sulphur, and they made that happen.”